When Hal Donaldson was a young man, he got to meet Mother Teresa. “What are you doing to help the poor?” she asked him. Well, I better not lie to Mother Teresa, he thought to himself, so he said, “I’m not really doing much of anything.” That encounter changed him. Donaldson committed himself to a life of service to others.…
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$8 Million Grant Will Expand National Swine Resource and Research Center at CAFNR
NIH grant will support research with genetically modified pigs to study human diseases
After decades of basic research that led to successful scientific innovations, Randall Prather and his team of investigators at the National Swine Resource and Research Center (NSRRC) at the University of Missouri have become the go-to source for genetically modified pigs used by researchers across the United States to study various diseases that impact humans. Keeping up with the ever-growing…
After Hours: In Harmony
Hank Stelzer is member of Columbia-based barbershop chorus
Last Saturday, a man who had been singing for less than a year took the stage before a packed ballroom in Jefferson City and performed songs for the crowd in a straw hat, bowtie, and suspenders. That man is state forestry extension specialist for the School of Natural Resources at Mizzou, Hank Stelzer, who has recently become a part of…
Like Son
Two CAFNR students have a unique bond
This May, senior Kenton Daniel (KD) Bohon will graduate with a degree in Agricultural Systems Management. Next December, so will his son. There was a time when 44-year-old KD was attending college with students his own age. About 25 years ago, after graduating high school, KD attended the University of Central Missouri for his freshman year, and then Truman State…
After Hours: Volunteering Unleashed
Caitlin Carr volunteers with the Spay and Neuter Project in Columbia
Caitlin Carr has always loved animals. Growing up, Caitlin found her love for animals when her family took in her uncle’s dog, Gretta, after he moved and could no longer keep her. “That poor dog probably got tired of me smothering it with hugs,” says Caitlin, the business manager in the Division of Applied Social Sciences. “Something about animals and their unconditional love and their innocent nature drew me…
After Hours: (Teach You How To) Sing the Blues
Animal Sciences assistant professor uses music to teach history
Not long ago, Columbia was segregated. Reminders can be found throughout the city. From a plaque on the side of the Missouri Theater describing their former segregated policies beneath the words “Lest We Forget. Never Again!” in bold letters, to Eliot Battle Elementary, named after a man who helped to integrate Columbia public schools. Reminders of this American past can…
Great Wines and Whiskey Begin in Missouri White Oak Forests
Missouri rolls out the barrels for spirits industry
Many of the world’s finest wines and whiskeys begin in Missouri’s hardwood forests. University of Missouri Extension forester Hank Stelzer shared Missouri’s role in wine and spirit production during the recent White Oak, Whiskey & Wine tour. Due to popular demand and positive reviews, Stelzer plans to make it an annual event. Tourgoers visited the Rudolf Bennitt Conservation Area at…
A ‘Global Journey’
CAFNR alumnus finds path to success in nation's capital
Bob Dixon will never forget the words from an Allied Corporation official after seeing his research for the first time. “I’ve got money burning holes in my pockets,” the executive said. “How do we sponsor this research at the University of Missouri?” Shortly thereafter Dixon, a soon-to-graduate master’s student in forestry in the spring of 1979, agreed to a contract…
‘A Source of Inspiration’
Biochemistry alumnus shows appreciation for former professor by establishing endowed scholarship in his name
“I choose you as my advisor.” The words came out of Kamal Yadav with conviction as he re-entered the office of George Garner. Yadav arrived in Columbia the day before when he had stepped off a Greyhound bus on at the corner of Hitt and Broadway at 1 a.m. He had spent a large portion of his day trodding up…
Biology and Beer
CAFNR researcher leads weekly conversations of evolutionary genetics in informal setting
On early Thursday evenings at the Craft Beer Cellar in downtown Columbia, one can always listen to a wide variety of rock songs while sipping his or her favorite beer – but it’s the conversations generated that are sweetest song to Tim Beissinger at the weekly sessions known as “Detox.” An adjunct professor in the Division of Plant Sciences and…